Channel 4 commissions another hidden-camera show

Channel 4 has commissioned another series to add to the glut of hidden-camera shows.

Public Eye claims to be putting the nation’s moral compass to the test in what are described as ‘difficult, and often amusing, situations’

Stunts will record how people in a security queue will react when only Muslims are singled out and strip-searched; the response to a gay couple's very public display of affection; and how bad customer service has to get before people complain.

The show will feature comics Mark Maier and Barry Castagnola, as well as a team of actors.

Commissioned by Channel 4’s factual entertainment bosses, rather than the comedy department, Public Eye nonetheless follows a raft of other hidden-camera shows.

Channel 4 already has in the pipeline a second series of I’m Spazticus, featuring disabled performers; Dom Joly has just returned to ITV with Fool Britannia; BBC Three has Impractical Jokers, in which comedians set each other challenges; E4 last month aired Lee Kern’s Celebrity Bedlam, in which he tricked Z-list celebrities, and even Loaded TV has commissioned a hidden-camera series called Marshals Law.

The four hour-long episodes of Public Eye, which will air next year, are being made by Peep Show producers Objective and Kalel Productions.

Published: 27 Sep 2012